It’s time to register for our May 6 round robin.  The number of slots are limited to 44 since the City still has limits on size gatherings in public parks.  Please email our vice president, Chris Clougherty, at chrisclougherty@msn.com if you wish to play.
We’ll send details on the exact start time and format once we have a better idea of the number of players.  At this point we are thinking of two full rounds in the morning which means each player will be guaranteed a minimum of 8 games.  Then, after lunch, a playoff for the highest scoring 4 or 8 players.  
All you have to do at this point is send an email to Chris.  This will guarantee you a spot in what will be the first of a number of exciting events this summer.
So, please register and get ready for our first great event of the year, our May 6 Round Robin/Potluck.  What could be better — friends, food, and pickleball?  We look forward to seeing everyone there!
Jane HostenyBPC Secretary

From Kathy Getto and Chris Mounier

An Interview with a Ratings Specialist

While the goal for everyone playing this game is to “improve” and be competitive, this often comes as a result of “playing with players of equal abilities”. Therefore, finding our ability or skill rating is important so we can compete and more importantly have fun..

While some players go to tournaments and learn through wins and losses that they are closer to this level than that level, there is a quicker way to find out what your skill level is. 

How? By booking a session with a rating specialist. 

Today we are interviewing a ratings guy who lives in the Treasure Valley… 

Can you tell us your name and a little about yourself? 

My name is Chris Mounier, and I’m a “Certified Rating Specialist” through IPTPA. 

What is IPTPA?  

International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association. They are the world leader in developing teaching standards in the sport of pickleball. 

Why should I consider getting a certified rating? 

By obtaining a certified rating through this program, players will achieve an internationally recognized rating for recreational skill level play at clubs and the confidence of knowing which skill level to enter at their first tournament. 

Players who have gone through an IPTPA rating session have a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses while having a better understanding of the path needed for individual improvement. 

Is the rating system you use accurate and effective? How does it work? 

The IPTPA rating system is the only 100% objective skill-based rating system in the world. 

Players will be tested on dinks, ground strokes, 3^rd shop drops, volleys, overhead, offensive lobs, serves and return of serves. 

They will also participate in “ghost doubles”, where they will play other players at the level they are testing to achieve. 

I’m interested in learning more. How do I contact you? 

I am a member of BAPA, live in the Boise area and am also a  ” Certified Pickleball Trainer” by both Pickleball Coaching International and the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association. I look forward to meeting and working with you. 

You can reach me at pickledazed@gmail.com or by phone at 818-825-6678. 

From Kathy Getto:

Thank you for your support of pickleball in the Treasure Valley.

The Boise Area Pickleball Association’s Heroes Memorial Tournament is less than two months away. It will be held June 3-6 at Settlers Park. 

We already have over 300 participants registered, and that includes over 100 who live outside of the Treasure Valley.

Some of those out-of-town players are looking for a host family to stay with during the tournament. 

If you are willing and able to host a player or two, please fill out this form and the housing coordinator will get in touch with you. 

Thank you for helping make this BAPA tournament fantastic!  

Happy Pickling,

Susannah Barr + Kathy Getto

Heroes Memorial Tournament Co-Directors

March/April 2021 Issue

Hello PNW USA Pickleball Members, 

As we prepare for the 2021 USA Pickleball Pacific Northwest Regional Championship Presented by Selkirk.

Our there is “Everything is Better in Boise Valley.” Tuesday, June 22 through Sunday, June 27.  

Below is more information to share with you.
#1 – Bill Rapp, who lives in Nampa, Idaho has been hired as the Co-Tournament Director to help create an amazing player experience at both parks.  Some of Bill’s career experiences include: 

· ATP Tour and WTA Tour Tournament Director (San Jose, CA & Memphis, TN) 30+ years 
· Have directed 350+ tournaments/exhibitions for players ages 4-90; including skill levels from amateur to high school/collegiate and world-class professionals
· USA Pickleball Tournament Director, Member and Avid Player
· United States Tennis Association Member
· United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Elite Certified Teaching Tennis Professional (37 years)
· USPTA Northern California: President-Elect, USPTA Pro of The Year, “Service to Tennis” Award And “Lifetime Achievement” Award 


#2 – With more than 25 stories already submitted, space is limited for **Special opportunity** We are extending the invitation to all current PNW USA Pickleball members to nominate someone for a limited number of “Pre-registration” positions for our PNW Regional.  We are specifically looking for players who have helped keep our wonderful sport alive during these trying times here in the Pacific Northwest.  There is a specific survey to complete to submit a candidate for consideration.  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2021BoisePre

#3 – Thank You to Pickleball Central for also stepping up to support us as another Pacific Northwest Premier Sponsor.  We appreciate the ongoing support and the growth of our sport we love.

#4 – Staggered Registration information – We will utilize the feature in pickleballtournaments.com that restricts access to the designated start times of your GENDER Skill Rating (NOT mixed or singles) If you are prompted for the wait list, you really should grab it, select your partner, and pay.  Priority is given to the paid teams in all brackets.  Be sure your USA Pickleball Membership is current & your MEMBERSHIP NUMBER is in your profile of pickleballtournaments.com or you will not have access to register. (There is no real-time fix if it is not working as there are multiple troubleshooting steps.)

The planned times are all in MST as follows:
· 4/14/21 10am – 5.0
· 4/14/21 noon – 4.5
· 4/14/21 2pm – 4.0
· 4/14/21 4pm – 3.5
· 4/14/21 6pm – 3.0


If you have read this far, you have noticed the date has moved up one day.  Thank you for reading all the information and sharing with others..

#5 – Did you want to impact your UTPR before this tournament?  There are two currently planned USA Pickleball  Sanctioned tournaments in the PNW Region before the end of June:
· 2021 North Idaho Shootout presented by PEAK – Fri 05/14/21 thru Sun 05/16/21
· North Cascades Spring Classic – Fri 05/21/21 thru Sun 05/23/21

Thank you for your time and support.
 

Mike Hoxie | Pacific Northwest Regional Director
USA Pickleball 
mhoxie@usapickleball.org
Cell:  503-997-2844