League tennis key to game's growth

League tennis is big business, not just for local tennis facilities but also for the U.S. Tennis Association, other tennis organizations and the tennis hierarchy.

It's doubtful that without the huge success and popularity of league tennis there would be so many excellent tennis facilities in every direction in the Charleston area.

A total of 3,287 local people participated in at least one league tennis season in 2008. That's $12 in registration fees for each player for each league, with the money being split among various tennis organizations, including the state tennis association and the Lowcountry Tennis Association. And don't forget that each of the 3,287 players must have a USTA membership before being allowed to register for any team. A one-year adult USTA membership costs $40, which could equal in excess of $100,000 annually (depending on various membership plans) from area players that goes directly to the USTA. Of course, the U.S. Open, with its huge crowds and TV money, is the biggest supporter of the USTA, but league tennis has to be high on the list.

The financial infusion doesn't stop there. Most league tennis players don't limit themselves to one league experience. Some players participate in as many as eight or 10 different leagues each year. For example, they might participate in both 3.5 and 4.0 adult and senior leagues in both the spring and fall as well as various mixed and combo doubles leagues, or even the singles league.

The average is more than three leagues a year for each player, or $35-$40 multiplied by 3,287. However you look at it, the figure could add up to more than $100,000 in registration fees from Charleston area players alone. Toss in the other 100 grand or so from local league tennis USTA memberships, and you can see the big picture of league tennis' importance to all levels of tennis in the United States. Just multiply those figures across the country.

How does all of this league tennis money trickle down to the clubs? In various ways such as grants, etc. Instead, the boost is provided by league participants' fresh money that supports the clubs and their pros in the form of fees for lessons, memberships, tennis equipment, etc.

League tennis' year-round fun and competition have made players eager to join the area's large public tennis complexes as well as private clubs. If not for league tennis, many players might decide to play at public facilities at an hourly charge or take advantage of the area's large number of free public courts.

The financial impact of this vast league stretches across the country. Its success is vital to the health of many USTA programs, not to mention the lifestyles of many tennis officials and players who annually ride the free USTA bandwagon all over the world. League tennis deserves a big New Year's toast for footing a sizeable portion of this country's tennis bill.

The 3,287 individuals participating in local league tennis in 2008 is an increase of 47 players over 2007 or nearly nine percent more participants than just two years ago.

Notes

--Dunes West will conduct an advanced junior clinic Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon. For information, go to the Web-ite theclubatduneswest.com or contact Dunes West tennis director Jack Miller at dwproshop@jwhomes.com.

--The City of Charleston-sponored Tri-County Elementary and Middle School Tennis League will begin play on March 9. Schools participating in the league are required to be represented at one of three coaches meetings (Jan. 12 at 5 p.m., Jan. 16 at 4 p.m. and Jan. 25 at 3 p.m.) at Charleston Tennis Center on Farmfield Avenue. Contact city tennis director Peggy Bohne (766-7401).

--Ticket packages, business hospitality options and sponsorship opportunities for the April 11-19 Family Circle Cup are available by contacting the Family Circle Cup (856-7900 or www.familycirclecup.com).

--The deadline for meeting the criteria for forming a league tennis team for the spring is now only a little more than two weeks away. The deadline is midnight on Jan. 12 for a team to have the minimum number of players registered that's needed to fill all of its positions for a match, eight players for most adult leagues (five for 2.5 and 5.0 adults) and six for seniors.

--The annual captains meeting for the local league tennis leagues is scheduled for Jan. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the main Charleston County Library on Calhoun Street.

Reach James Beck at jamesbecktennis@gmail.com