Hi - my name is Kathy, and I'm an amateur racquetball player in Florida. I heard you are going to have a big sanctioned outdoor tournament this summer in July and I would like to come out. I have never been to a National event, except as a "townie", and am not sure what the protocol is.

Can someone tell me if it would it would be offensive if I show up? It looks like a lot of high-level players are going to be there. I started playing over 30 years ago, but am not part of a team, or in the business. Ability-wise, I am a bottom feeder in the Women's Open at local tournaments. I was thinking Men's B's singles might be a place for me at this event so I can come out for some pool play, and of course, I want to watch games, and would like to maybe meet in person some of the people behind the comments here on the forum.

I'm looking for opinions on whether this is an unwelcome idea. I don't want to offend or disrespect anybody by showing up inappropriately. Thanks in advance to anyone that has time to reply.

PS in case it is not the right scenario for a player at my level, no worries. Hopefully you all will have a big event here in Florida at some point.

Kathy, as always, you are welcome at all WOR events. I am sorry I will not be able to make it this year but if you can possibly make it out there I think you should. It will be a fun and enjoyable event for all who attend.

Kathy, the WOR Ektelon Championships are for everyone. It will have over 200 players of all levels playing 2-3 events each on 8 courts for 4 days straight. It is an outdoor extravaganza for all players, friends of players, family of players, potential future players, spectaters, passers by, everyone is welcome. There will be plenty of food by Bad Ass BBQ. Bring your camera you will get lots of great pictures. It will rock your outdoor world.

Mens B is a good first event. I would suggest adding a second event also for the extra fun of it. Maybe Womens Singles, Mixed Doubles, Womens Doubles, Mens A or C, or even age group.

The bottom line is you will have a great time and you will be glad you came.

Thank you for the replies. It sounds like a very good time to be had by all.

wow, i remember the days of over 500 players. 70+ teams just in C doubles, using both Orange Coast and Golden West courts for the tournaments.....

Anybody happen to know how many times in the history of the event it has experienced rain delays?

Hello Kathy,
In reply to your email, you should definitely come out for the event. I have been playing in this event for more than two decades and the best thing about it is the out of towners. It's always nice to have new blood on the court and to make new friends. If anyone gave you the impression it was for locals only, it was a mistake. Just ask the McDonalds who have been coming from Florida for the past 20+ years as well.

As Roland mentioned, you should try to hook up with someone for either mixed doubles or womens doubles too. Singles is competitive, but doubles tends to be the most fun. Again, just ask Martha and Greg McDonald. As for rain delay or postponement, not in the 20+ years I've been playing it. This is sunny So Cal. Now I've just jinxed the tournament. Hope to see you there.

Kevin Booth

There is never any rain (knock on wood), but it does get hot, not humid hot but sun hot, last weekend for instance was blazing, but the hotter the better just wear your sunscreen and you'll be cool. The more out of towners the better you guys are great for the game, and everybody is really cool to hang with even when you are not playing.

Kathy G

Hi - my name is Kathy, and I'm an amateur racquetball player in Florida. I heard you are going to have a big sanctioned outdoor tournament this summer in July and I would like to come out. I have never been to a National event, except as a "townie", and am not sure what the protocol is.

Can someone tell me if it would it would be offensive if I show up? It looks like a lot of high-level players are going to be there. I started playing over 30 years ago, but am not part of a team, or in the business. Ability-wise, I am a bottom feeder in the Women's Open at local tournaments. I was thinking Men's B's singles might be a place for me at this event so I can come out for some pool play, and of course, I want to watch games, and would like to maybe meet in person some of the people behind the comments here on the forum.

I'm looking for opinions on whether this is an unwelcome idea. I don't want to offend or disrespect anybody by showing up inappropriately. Thanks in advance to anyone that has time to reply.

PS in case it is not the right scenario for a player at my level, no worries. Hopefully you all will have a big event here in Florida at some point.

:-k :frown: :-k :frown:

OK, I'll bite..... What gives KG?

Hi Brian, I am just practicing looking at things fresh. Never traveled to a national thing, and want to be polite and see if it will be too awkward for a non-pro female to just "show up".

Thanks again to all for the courtesy. If I don't make it this year, it looks like something I want to do at some point.

Sounds like a bona-fide fiesta.

'. . . over 30 years ago"


geez, i didn't even know you were 30! really.
i mean, really?

jhill

'. . . over 30 years ago"


geez, i didn't even know you were 30! really.
i mean, really?

Oh yes, some say we're dinosaurs.