NEWSLINE STORY
published March-April 2016
Opening the World Tournament Comments Box
by Tina Hawkins, 2nd Vice President and Publicity/Promotion Director
During its recent winter business meeting, the NHPA Executive Council reviewed every comment received in the Comments Box during the 2015 World Tournament in Topeka.
Many valuable suggestions were made and actions are being taken to address the situations in question.
Here are a few that were most important to world tournament goers, along with some comments:
Lower food prices in the concessions
World Tournament hosts are always cautioned that NHPA competitors prefer more affordable concession options. Every attempt is made by the Executive Council to control this, but in some instances, facilities have contracts in place with their providers which cannot be modified. The concessions in Montgomery, Alabama, should be more reasonable, as the city owns the facility and has more control.
More practice courts
With our event continually growing, it is not always possible to provide indoor, air-conditioned practice courts. The council discussed allowing practice on open banks of courts. This option will be completely dependent on the tournament schedule! Information on public courts will be provided in Montgomery.
All games should start on same end
This practice has been in place for several years with the starting end specified in pre-shift announcements. An identifying landmark or sign will be used to help players remember which end that is.
And finally, the MOST commented on topic: NO ELDERS AT 7 P.M.
Elders are typically scheduled earlier in the day. The 2015 event was an exception due to showcasing our young players during the live ESPN broadcast. The 2016 schedule will feature the Juniors on the evening shifts and the Elders earlier in the day.
As always, your input is valued and carefully considered. Many improvements have been made through the years based on your comments and suggestions. The box will be ready to accept your ideas in Montgomery!
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