Calling all lines

The United States Tennis Association, the sport’s governing body

in America, is a giant. But it needs people like Hank Lloyd, a little

guy in the USTA’s grand scheme of things but a Goliath on the game’s

grass-roots level.

Sure, Lloyd would like to do better than break even as host and

tournament director of the recently concluded Diadora Pro

Championships, a $10,000 USTA Futures Tour stop -- the beginning

stage on the men’s pro tennis circuit with every player dreaming of

reaching (or returning to) the Association of Tennis Professionals

Tour.

But Lloyd, operator of the Costa Mesa Tennis Center and a guru in

the game’s public sector, is like the rest of the circuit’s

tournament directors. They’re all required by the USTA to pay for

their own officials. And that’s what Lloyd is trying to change.

If the USTA, which boasts of annual U.S. Open revenues in the $150

million range, would pick up the $8,000 bill for umpires and

officials (plus daily meals and hotel room if the official commutes

over 50 miles), it would be a huge financial turnaround for the

small, community-oriented events such as the one in Costa Mesa last

week and perhaps more money would be given to charity.

“It might cut into the prize money, but that’s OK, because we can

try to go out and find sponsors that will help,” Lloyd said. “These

(USTA Futures Tour events) aren’t money-makers. They’re to get people

involved in the community.”

Lloyd, who bailed out the USTA this year and took over as

director, host and promoter of the event in the 11th hour, said last

week’s Diadora Pro “worked out well” from his position and he’s

excited about hosting it again in 2003, when he will plan a special

event for the public each day.

This year, Costa Mesa hosted, among other things, a Demo Day, a

Ladies Day and a doubles pro-am. About 60 women showed up for Ladies

Day and each were charged $5 to participant, with proceeds going to

the Orange County Community Tennis Association, which plans to help a

promising junior with entry fees or lessons.

A longtime pro shop owner and operator, the hard-working Lloyd

will host the $15,000 Costa Mesa Pro Classic in November, also a USTA

Futures event.

* Four officials, including a chair umpire, are required at each

USTA Futures match. There were six or more officials during some

Diadora matches, with officials rotating in and out during

changeovers seemingly every 30 minutes. There were 20 officials on

site each day during the tournament, Lloyd said.

* The Palisades Tennis Club is hosting a seminar with the

Southern California Tennis Association regarding tennis scholarships

Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. Mark Winters is the director of the SCTA’s

College and University Scholarship Program. Details: (949) 644-6900.