Executive Director's Report

By Teodor "Doru" Gheorghe

With a total of 734 entries, the 2004 Nationals looks like a very promising tournament. We changed the playing hall back to the one used in 2001 to address last year’s complaints of slippery floors. I would like to ask everybody to send me your comments (what was good, what was wrong) so we can improve next year.

The USATT Strategic plan was approved by USOC, and the Board took the first steps in implementing it by nominating the chairs for new committees (Coaching and Collegiate NCAA). For the next year we will nominate the coaches for our Junior and Cadet National Teams that will be in charge with training and coaching of our teams.

According to our Strategic Plan, in 2005 USATT will open two regional training centers. By the end of August 2004, we will post on the web the selection criteria and the bid specs. Clubs interested in applying as Regional Training Centers should keep an eye on the USATT web page, or contact USATT for more information.

At the last Board meeting, held in November of 2003 in Colorado Springs, the Board approved the increase of the membership fees and created two new membership categories. I did a lot of analysis of our fees and reached the conclusion that the old membership fees did not cover the benefits and the time that staff spends working for membership. It was necessary to take this step and I am sure that the additional benefits that you will receive will exceed the membership fees that you pay. I urge you to give your support to the fee increases.

This magazine came in your mail wrapped in a plastic bag in order to avoid problems that we’ve had recently with people receiving only the cover or no cover. This should solve the problem.

In the middle of January we will have the USA Trials for singles. I hope you entered before the deadline and are ready to make the Olympic Team! I wish good luck to all of you.

Keep an eye on the USATT web page in order to enter the USA Olympic Trials for Doubles, which will be held in March in Washington D.C.

Sometime early next year we will open a USATT forum where anyone who wants to ask questions relating to USATT business may do so. We will try to answer all your questions and concerns so you can stay informed.

At the beginning of next year the USATT web page will have a new design, with links to USOC and other NGB’s. Also we will have more space for advertising so companies wishing to advertise on the USATT web pages are welcome to apply.

In conclusion, I would like to thank all of you who volunteered your time to help table tennis in the U.S. and who gave us helpful feedback to improve our activities."

Last but not least I would like to congratulate the players that qualified for the 2004 Paralympics Games. Finally, I wish all of you a Happy, Wealthy and Healthy New Year!