If you don't know by now, the USTA had suspended all of their own sanctioned products and events as of March 23rd due to the COVID-19 outbreak. To extend the pain, most of us took a dreaded look at our phone to see the latest statement on the "Safety of Playing Tennis." USTA released the following statement :
"Based on the recommendations of the USTA COVID-19 Advisory Group, the USTA believes that it is in the best interest of society to take a collective pause from playing the sport we love. Although there are no specific studies on tennis and COVID-19, medical advisors believe there is the possibility that the virus responsible for COVID-19 could be transmitted through common sharing and handling of tennis balls, gate handles, benches, net posts, and even court surfaces. As a result of this, the USTA asks that as tennis players we need to be patient in our return to the courts and consider how our decisions will not only affect ourselves, but how our decisions can impact our broader communities. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to stay active and healthy with at home exercise and creative “tennis at home” variations. We look forward to our return to tennis in a safe manner and will provide updates as new information becomes available. By practicing all the recommended guidelines presently put forth by our medical experts, that return will happen in the soonest possible timeframe." We must ask ourselves, what now, USTA? In light of the aforementioned statement, many community tennis courts and local high schools are locking their gates thus banning any activity. A lot of questions have been surfacing about the length of this supposed "timeframe" without answers. As a teaching professional, I wonder if there with be any spring or summer seasons to allow me to make any income. In the meantime all players and coaches alike must stick together and be there for each other. Unfortunately, it's apparent that this is not going away anytime soon. If you seek assistance in this difficult time feel free to contact your local tennis community pages or court officials. PTR and USTA are applying many drastic measures for small businesses in the tennis community to provide some comfort at this time. Allow them to help! If you seek information please feel free to contact me and I will try my best to work with the PTR community to find answers. While we wait we must remain active! Stay safe and healthy everybody! Contact: [email protected]
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