USA Racquetball

The Official U.S. Racquetball Association Website

40th Anniversary

Since the National Office was founded in 1969, racquetball came to be known as one of the fastest growing sports in America. The sport is recognized world-wide in over 90 countries on five continents with 14 million racquetball players. This year we're celebrating 40 years of service to our members and look forward to making racquetball stronger than ever. To become a member of our organization, click here.

Become A Member

Racquetball Logo

As a USA Racquetball member, you show the world how much you enjoy the sport of racquetball. As a member you receive a variety of exclusive benefits available only to USAR members such as--Racquetball Magazine, filled with instructional and training tips delivered right to your door, merchandise and apparel discounts, air and travel discounts, local and national tournaments, as well as developmental programs. Join today by clicking here.

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* Over $100,000 of all membership dues are returned to states to assist with local program development.

GoodSearch

GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo-powered search engine that donates advertising revenue to non-profit associations. Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and help donate to USA Racquetball. More than 700 of the top Internet retailers and travel sites including Amazon, eBay, Target, Apple, Expedia and more have joined forces with GoodShop.com to donate part of every purchase to USAR at no additional cost. To read more, click here, to start donating click the GoodSearch logo.

How To Play

New to racquetball?

To play a game of racquetball you only need a few things to get started. Most racquetball equipment and accessories can be purchased seperately or starter kits can be purchased for about $30 from a club proshop or sporting goods retail store.
• Racquet (Cost anywhere from $20-$200, depends on budget, and willingness to pay for feel and technology.)
• Eyewear (Recommended and important, helps reduce the risk of injury if you are hit in the eye.)
• Ball (Balls come in different colors such as blue, green, lavender and black. Any color will do.)
• Glove. (Optional, this will help you keep a firm grip on the racquet during those fast rallies.)
• Shoes (Any type of indoor court or tennis shoe, there are shoes designed specifically for racquetball.)

For more information on how to play, tips from the pro's, video instruction and more visit Racquetball University online.

Do you know someone who is interested or new to racquetball? Send them an e-mail about this website.

If you are NOT a member of the USAR, send us your name and e-mail to receive the free monthly racquetball e-newsletter. In the subject box please write "e-mail newsletter" to insure delivery.

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Donate to USAR

USA Racquetball depends upon public donations to continue its work. There are several different ways you can help and it's TAX Deductible! Click any of the logos to donate today.
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USAR is a proud member of Sports Charities USA

Vehicle Donation Program
Click Here or Call
877-999-8322

Click on any of the logos and donate today.

USAR is a proud partcipant in the Combined Federal Campaign

USAR is a proud participant of the United Way Campaign

UP NEXT: USAR National Doubles Championships, Tempe, AZ--Feb. 10-14, 2010

Try Racquetball-February, Racquetball Month

February has been designated as National Racquetball Month
to promote and increase racquetball participation across the country.

TryRACQUETBALL is just one of the Programs we will be using to promote to clubs. It is a program designed to offer FREE lessons to Club Members, Potential Members and Non-Members. The goal is to introduce new players to the sport and also encourage existing players to support the program at their local health club or court facility.
We all know, once players step onto the court, begin playing the game, rally with one another and get the 'Racquetball fever' they will be more enthusiastic about continuing to play and improve. All ages of men, women and kids are included. Racquetball also enables kids to have more enjoyable experiences early on in the learning process and having fun is always a factor in keeping kids (and adults) involved. We encourage all racquetball players to let your Club Owners or Racquetball Directors at your club know about this program.

Connie Martin, USA Racquetball National Program Director and Program Director at Cascade Athletic Clubs in Gresham, OR has created detailed information that can be used to promote and advertise TryRACQUETBALL during Racquetball Month across the country. A collection of colorful posters, banners, postcards and images can be downloaded at no cost. Visit the Racquetball Month page and get started today!

National Doubles Championships

The 2010 USA Racquetball National Doubles Championships held February 10-14, 2010 in Tempe, AZ is the sport's premiere doubles tournament. The tournament is presented by Head/Penn and offers doubles for skill, and age+skill divisions for men and women. ENTRY DEADLINE: Monday, February 1, 2010. On-line and phone entry will be the only method of registration.

• On-line Entry • Four Points Sheraton

Junior Team Wins World Championships

Junior Team USA-World Champions

The IRF 21st World Junior Racquetball Championships concluded as nearly 250 of the best junor racquetball players from across the world gathered to compete for individual and team medals. The event kicked-off with an opening ceremony that represented 16 countries and symbolizes the tradition of international competition. The event was held at the Centro Olimpico Juan Pablo Duarte in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Junior Team USA won the boy's and girl's overall team competiton to capture the team title. Team USA won the overall team title in 2008 and repeats as the champion for 2009.
Team USA's Jose Rojas was crowned the winner of the Boy's 18 and under singles division as he would defeat Mexico's Alejandro Cardona in the finals, 15-7, 15-10. Rojas would also add another gold medal to his resume by winning the Boy's 18 and under doubles with partner Jose Serrano as they narrowly defeated Team Ecuador in the finals, 15-3, 15-8.
Team USA's Aubrey O'Brien did not drop a game on her way to the finals as she defeated Mexico's Sofia Rascon, 15-11, 15-4 to capture the gold medal in the Girl's 16 and under singles. O'Brien would also win another gold medal by winning the Girl's 18 and under doubles with partner Danielle Key as they defeated Team Bolivia in the finals, 13-15, 15-8, 11-0.

Results Site | IRF | Team USA

Negrete Retires From IRT

The Men's International Racquetball Tour (IRT) announced that Dave Negrete has decided to retire as Commissioner of the IRT after nine years at the helm. During his tenure, Negrete organized new Grand Slam events and increased the total prize money pool available for players. Negrete's crowning achievement was the creation of a new portable court that will enable racquetball to be exposed to thousands of potential fans around the United States. Negrete will help transition the operations of the IRT through the end of 2009 and then Jason Mannino will step in as the new commissioner.

IRT Website

Toys For Tots

click for larger image

The Club Sport San Ramon graciously hosted a Toys for Tots Charity Christmas Tournament to support the U.S. Marine Corps and San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District. With the help of CPRT pros Gerry Price and Cliff Swain; Club Sport member and touring pro Angela Grisar; Club Sport and NMRA/CSRA member Mike Lippitt; and under the auspices of the California State Racquetball Association, this event amassed over 350 unwrapped toys in addition to well over $1,000 to support Toys for Tots.
It was truly an unqualified success. Pictured are the toys under three trees along with representatives from CS-SR, the U.S. Marines, the SRV Fire Protection District, Gerry Price, Cliff Swain, and Mike Lippitt holding Maddox Price.

New Program And Clinic Curriculum

Official Press Release - (For Immediate Release) USA Racquetball Instructor Program

USA Racquetball will soon be unveiling a revised instructors, coaching, programming and clinic curriculum. The new programs will include extensive on-line and video education programs, along with various methods to upgrade and improve ones teaching and coaching skills. Current AMPRO instructors will be provided a significant period of time to re-certify, upgrade and maintain their certification. During this extension phase current instructors will maintain their insurance coverage. Instructors who decide to continue their certification will be provided access to many of the on-line continuing classes and information and well as many of the other benefits of belonging to the new program.
The new program will be unveiled at the US OPEN and in the next newsletter and magazine. For more information or questions please contact Jhiser@usra.org

Guidry Named Head Coach

Mike Guidry Named Head Coach of U.S. National Team

U.S. Team Coach Mike Guidry

USA Racquetball named Mike Guidry as head coach of the U.S. National Racquetball Team. Guidry is one of the most decorated U.S. players in amateur competition and is a former top ten professional player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT).
As a player he captured the USA Racquetball National Men’s Doubles championship in 1999, 2001 and 2002. In 2002, he also won the USA Racquetball National Men’s Singles championship. Guidry is a three time doubles champion in the Pan-American Games (2002, 2003 & 2005) and seven time member of the U.S. National Adult Team.
Guidry brings passion, energy, and an overall knowledge of the international landscape to the table that is second to none.

Racquetball News

The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association recently reported that while the American economy is suffering, many sports, fitness, and recreation activities are growing. According to the SGMA‟s Sports & Fitness Participation Report (2009 edition), a number of activities in the United States are on the upswing as participation is growing.
USAR has prepared a press release for distribution announcing that there has been an 18.1% increase in racquetball participation. Please submit this press release to your local media outlets (newspaper and television) to help share the good news about racquetball.
Click here for the pdf document.

2008 US OPEN DVD Now Available

Year after year the US OPEN produces the best that pro racquetball has to offer. However, in 2008 Kane Waselenchuk returned to the IRT tour and played a level of racquetball at the US OPEN that has never before been seen.
Enjoy three matches from the IRT division (2 semifinals and the finals) completely commercial free on this Special Edition DVD. Sit back and enjoy witnessing what many call “the greatest player in the history of the sport” playing at his absolute best. Visit the merchandise page to order yours or click here.

New Facility Directory

Maverick Athletic Club, Arlington, TX 10 Courts, www.themav.com

USA Racquetball has recently launched a campaign to update existing or add new court clubs and facilities. The new

Facility Directory is a module built by Jay Mathis for USAR and all the other Racquetball Content Management System websites. It is a compilation of several different sources for club lists and is in need of updating.

A very nice feature of the new Facility Directory is an interactive map that also gives details such as the website, phone number, guest fees, number of courts and other detailed information.
The ability for the general public to submit new facilities or suggest changes to existing records assists in having accurate information (subject to approval). In the near future, players will be able to add their names to individual club listings. The list will be made available in XML format that other websites can use and display however they want. Click on the Facility Directory link or on the left side menu at the bottom.
Feedback on functionality and content can be sent to Jay Mathis [mathisjay@hotmail.com]

Mission Statement

Mission Statement
USA Racquetball (USAR) is the National Governing Body for the sport of racquetball, recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee and is committed to excellence and service to our members. We provide opportunities for members and enthusiasts to actively participate in the sport through sanctioning of events, administration of programs and development of competitive teams.

Vision Statement
To provide racquetball opportunities in the sport of racquetball for all levels of participation........Read More

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January 2010 Membership Newsletter

Inside This Issue
Check out this month's USA Racquetball Newsletter, the January edition. This issue contains information about the upcoming USAR National Doubles Championships, February 10-14, 2010 held in Tempe, AZ. There is also event information regarding the USAR National High School Championships, February 24-28, 2010 held in Portland, Oregon.
There is a feature story on promoting February as National Racquetball Month all across the globe. The article explains where to go to download free flyers and posters to help promote racquetball at your club.
Don't forget the Annual Athlete Award nominations will be due by March 15, 2010. Read more about the awards descriptions in this issue.
Also included is news from the IRT, WPRO and related industry news.

USA Racquetball January Newsletter

December 2009 • October/November 2009 • September 2009 • July 2009 • June 2009 • April 2009 • March 2009 • January 2009 • September 2008 • July 2008 • March 2008

2007 Newsletters

Racquetball In Arizona

Congratulations to the newly elected board members for the Racquetball Players Association of Arizona (RPAA). After a successful election ballot that was held on-line with the R2Sports Management Software, the seven new board members were installed and board officers were also elected. The new board stated they are focused on increasing activities and improving the sport for racquetball throughout the state of Arizona. For a complete look at the new organization, visit the new RPAA website.

Are You Certified?

ARE YOU CURRENTLY CERTIFIED AS A REFEREE FOR RACQUETBALL?
YES
NO

Submit Survey View Results

If no, contact your state director for more information on how to become certified.

Junior World Championships

Video from the 2009 IRF Junior
World Racquetball Championships
Taylor Knoth (USA) vs Alejandro Cardona (MEX)

Racquetball Magazine

Take a look inside the '09 Fall issue of Racquetball Magazine and read about the best men's pro players to ever play and their greatest qualities. Also the "Draw of the Century" is back as the best players of all-time battle to the end. There is also a full color photo gallery from the 2009 US OPEN Racquetball Championships and also results and photos from the IRT, WPRO, CPRT and WSMRA.

Also included is the special series, Strandemo's Strategies for improving your doubles game and Profiles of the Greats from the 1970's and early 1980's. For the entire issue, subscribe by joining USA Racquetball today. For a free preview, click the link below.

Adobe PDF • Free Magazine Preview

Team Waselenchuk Adds Another

Hello, World. Kane Wasekenchuk's wife, Kim gave birth on November 20 to a girl, Kendall Marie Waselenchuk, 8 lbs. 10 oz. It is the second child for the couple; their first daughter Kennedy was born in 2008.
"Both Kendall and Kim are doing great and we want to thank everyone for their sincere best wishes and kind thoughts," Waselenchuk said.

New League Software

ESTABLISH AND MANAGE YOUR CLUB'S RACQUETBALL LEAGUES

In an effort to expand services to its members and to promote growth and participation, USA Racquetball has partnered with Vantage Tech Consulting to offer AdVantageClub software to its members. A new program designed to manage racquetball leagues for any size or group.

League Software »

Racquetball Game For Wii

Graffiti Entertainment Inc., a division of Signature Devices, Inc., a consumer videogame manufacturer, announced that it has signed a license agreement with USA Racquetball, the national governing body for the sport of racquetball and for the U.S. Olympic Committee.
Graffiti Entertainment will publish a USA Racquetball videogame initially for the Wii™ system, and shortly thereafter will roll out games for other videogame console formats. Read the official press release.

News Announcement

Danielle Maur, National Director of Racquetball and Squash for Lifetime Fitness and Jim Hiser, Executive Director for USA Racquetball recently announced a joint program to help promote racquetball in all Lifetime Fitness Clubs. "I am thrilled to announce that USA Racquetball and Lifetime Fitness have agreed to work together on various programs to promote the sport of racquetball," said Hiser.
The state of Minnesota, home of the national headquarters for Lifetime Fitness will implement a number of test programs which if successful will be duplicated throughout all of the existing facilities.

Lifetime Fitness operates distinctive and large sports, athletic, fitness and family recreation centers. As of today, Lifetime Fitness operates 84 centers in 19 states (states include Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia).

Did You Know?

• Racquetball participation saw an increase of 18.1% in the year 2008. Penn Logo

• Racquetball is one of ONLY four sports that have shown consistent participation increases since 2000--First-tennis; Second-racquetball; Third-soccer; Fourth-basketball.

More DYK

National Doubles Video

State News

State Association Conference Call:
Tuesday - February 2nd @ 9pm EDT, 8pm CDT, 7pm MDT, 6pm PDT
The next conference call meeting for State Directors will be Tuesday-February 2, 2010.

Adobe PDF

• January Presentation (Adobe PDF)

Archived Conference Call Documents

Sponsors/Partners

USOC
Supporting Organization

AT&T
Communications Partner

IRF
Supporting Organization

MRF
Supporting Organization

NMRA
Supporting Organization

IRT
Supporting Organization

WOR
Supporting Organization

WSMRA
Supporting Organization


WPRO Supporting Organization		Ektelon US Team Sponsor		BabcockPower US Junior Team Sponsor	Lifetime Fitness Fitness Partner


Wilson Official Glove	Head Official Bag Official Eyewear	Penn Official Ball


Python Racquetball Official Grip	AFLAC Insurance Partner	Ashaway Official String	Rollout Racquetball Official Team Apparel

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USA Racquetball

The Official U.S. Racquetball Association Website

Vision StatementTo provide racquetball opportunities in the sport of racquetball for all levels of participation........Read More

Vision Statement
To provide racquetball opportunities in the sport of racquetball for all levels of participation........Read More