Fall Fellowships
Kelli Auletta, Fellowship Committee Chair
It’s hard to believe
that summer is drawing to a close and that we’re already thinking towards
the upcoming 2002-2003 USAV season. I think one of the benefits of playing
in the Chesapeake Region is our pre-season tournaments, or fall fellowships
as we call them.
Fellowships serve several purposes. They give
teams the opportunity to try out new players (and vice-versa) without having
to make a season-long commitment. Also, they are the Region’s main vehicle
for certifying new referees and scorekeepers. And, officials trying to
move up the ranks are afforded the opportunity to volunteer and show their
interest in the Region’s programs.
When you play in fellowships, please remember
these tournaments are for PRACTICE purposes, both for the players and the
officials. There are no playoffs, and you cannot receive points for your
play, therefore your team record is for bragging purposes only. Many referees
and scorekeepers you will see during fellowships are brand new, and it
literally might be the first time they are on the ref stand or keeping
score. Treat them with respect and courtesy—it could be you or one of your
teammates the next match.
But, bear in mind this is also a test of their
skill. If a rater asks you or your team to ‘do something,’ for example,
wear a watch on the court or deliberately have a wrong server, help them
out. They are trying to ascertain if the candidates can handle a variety
of circumstances that might crop up during a regular season match. I must
admit, I am notorious for asking this of the teams and for doing things
like that on the court—nothing heated of course, but earrings are frequently
left in when I play in fellowships—so watch out if you have me as a rater/player!
In addition, if you have always wondered what
it takes to become a rater at fellowships or just have an interest in helping
out, please contact me. Although referee raters must have regional level
or higher certification, I am always looking to add to the corps of scorekeeper
raters (obviously, you need to be currently certified), and anyone can
help as Tournament Directors. If this sounds like something you’d like
to participate in, please let me know. I can be reached at kelli.auletta@chrva.org
or 202-364-4994.
The latest CHRVA Fellowship Schedule can be
found on the CHRVA Website at http://www.chrva.org/Preseason/2002_03/felschda.html
!!!
Good luck not only in Fall Fellowships but
also in the upcoming season!
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